“Oh good lord,” I’m supposed to say. “Barbara Walters has lost her marbles. She has named Honey Boo Boo one of the most fascinating people of the year. Honey Boo Boo (above) represents the end of civilization, not something to celebrate.” Instead, I’ll say that Walters is shrewd, putting someone on the list to get attention and bump ratings. Other honorees: Seth MacFarlane, Chris Christie, Gabby Douglas, Ben Affleck, E.L. James, Hillary Clinton, and One Direction.

This benefit will air live all over the place, including online at Hulu and YouTube and on AMC, HBO, IFC, G4, Sundance Channel, and Fuse. Who will be performing at Madison Square Garden? It’s more like: Who won’t? On the list: Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band, Paul McCartney, Kanye West, Eddie Vedder, Dave Grohl, Chris Martin, Billy Joel, Alicia Keys, Bon Jovi, Eric Clapton, Roger Waters, and the Who. Oh, and the Rolling Stones.

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